Director of Operations
Somewhere
🇿🇦 Hirezar Summary for South African Applicants
This fully remote full time position at Somewhere is open to applicants from South Africa. The estimated monthly salary is R55,500 – R64,750 ZAR. This role is suited for senior-level professionals. As a remote position, you can work from anywhere in South Africa — whether you're based in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, or a smaller town.
Job Description
Role Overview
Our boutique beauty PR agency is seeking a high-caliberDirector of Operationsto serve as the operational backbone of our organization. This is an executive-level leadership role designed for a "systems-first" thinker who can manage the agency’s infrastructure with minimal oversight.
As the Director of Operations, you will bridge the gap between vision and execution. You won't just manage tasks; you will own the agency’s operational cadence, refine our systems, and lead team accountability. We are looking for a proactive partner who reduces the CEO's operational load by anticipating needs two steps ahead and solving problems before they escalate.
Position Details
* Employment Type:Full-Time Independent Contractor
* Compensation:Market Related
* Hours:40 hours/week (Fixed Schedule: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM EST)
* Location:Remote (Latin America or South Africa preferred)
* Reporting To:Founder & CEO
Core Responsibilities
Team Accountability & Workflow
* Operational Cadence:Own daily Asana management, tracking deadlines, and ensuring team members stay on schedule.
* Accountability:Lead weekly team check-ins; identify and resolve bottlenecks or capacity risks proactively.
* SOP Development:Audit existing processes and build/refine Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for onboarding, reporting, and internal communications.
New Business & Research Support
* Prospect Intelligence:Conduct deep-dive research into target brands (funding, decision-makers, current PR agency relationships) to build a prospect library.
* Meeting Prep:Generate one-page pre-call briefs and polish pitch decks/capability presentations using existing templates.
* Pipeline Management:Manage post-meeting follow-ups and lead the transition from signed contract to client onboarding.
Vendor & Financial Management
* Vendor Relations:Research, vet, and negotiate terms with US-based vendors and contractors; maintain organized contract records.
* Financial Oversight:Process timecards, invoices, and expense reports weekly; flag discrepancies with recommended resolutions.
HR & Hiring Support
* Talent Acquisition:Write job descriptions, screen resumes, and conduct first-round candidate screenings to streamline the hiring process for the CEO.
* Onboarding:Manage documentation and system access for all new contractors.
Candidate Profile
Hard Skills & Qualifications
* Experience:5+ years in Operations, Executive Assistance, or Agency Management at a senior level.
* Tools:Expert-level proficiency inAsana(or similar PM tools) and AI tools (Claude, ChatGPT) for research and drafting.
* US Context:Prior experience supporting US-based clients or businesses remotely is strongly preferred.
* Communication:Exceptional written and verbal English; ability to synthesize complex research into actionable summaries.
* Logistics:Reliable high-speed internet and a dedicated, professional home workspace.
Soft Skills (The "Must-Haves")
* Executive-Level Thinking:The ability to operate independently and make confident decisions within your scope.
* Proactive Ownership:You bring solutions to problems, not just observations.
* Direct Communication:High emotional intelligence paired with the ability to hold team members accountable professionally.
* Intellectual Curiosity:A natural drive to research US industry events, media landscapes, and competitive benchmarks without being prompted.
What to Expect
* High Autonomy:We provide the tools and context; we expect you to run the engine.
* Structured Success:You will have a clear 30/90-day onboarding plan with defined success criteria.
* Consistent Rhythm:Daily async updates via Asana and weekly video syncs with the CEO.
Why This Role?
This is a rare opportunity for a top-tier operator in Latin America or South Africa to take a seat at the leadership table of a growing US agency. You will have a direct impact on the scale and efficiency of a boutique firm representing some of the most exciting brands in the beauty industry.
Tips for South African Applicants
Timezone Advantage
South Africa (SAST, UTC+2) overlaps well with European business hours and has a few hours of overlap with US East Coast. Mention your timezone flexibility in your application.
Salary in Context
At R55,500/month, this role pays well above the average South African remote salary. The USD equivalent ($3,000/mo) benefits from the favourable exchange rate.
Application Tips
Tailor your CV to international standards — use a clean format, highlight remote work experience, and include your English proficiency. Many SA applicants succeed by emphasising their strong work ethic and cultural adaptability.
Load Shedding Preparedness
If you're applying for a remote role, having a backup power solution (UPS, inverter, or generator) and mobile data as a backup internet connection shows employers you're prepared for South Africa's infrastructure challenges.
About Somewhere
Somewhere is a company in the Recruitment & Staffing industry that hires remote workers from South Africa. They currently have 620 open positions on Hirezar. View all Somewhere jobs →